The New Jersey Devils are set to take on the San Jose Sharks tonight at 10:00 PM EST, with the game being broadcast on MSGSN and Devils Hockey Radio. This matchup follows a challenging night for both teams on Tuesday.
In their last outing, the Devils faced a tough loss against the Colorado Avalanche, suffering a staggering 8-4 defeat. This end to their eight-game winning streak has raised some concerns among fans. While one loss in the grand scheme of a long NHL season isn’t catastrophic, the performance, particularly that of goalie Jacob Markstrom, has left much to be desired. Markstrom currently holds troubling stats of a 5.13 goals against average (GAA) and an .830 save percentage (SV%), indicating a significant struggle in his role. While there is still plenty of time for him to regain his form, his early-season performance has become a growing worry for the team.
On the other side, the Sharks are also coming off a defeat, having fallen to the Los Angeles Kings in a close 4-3 contest. San Jose’s record stands at 2-6-2, with both victories coming in overtime. Despite their young talent, they are still in the process of finding their footing in the league, emphasizing that any team can triumph on any given night.
As for tonight’s lineup, the Devils have not confirmed which goalie will take the ice. While Markstrom played recently, there is speculation that backup Jake Allen might get the start. With significant injuries affecting their roster, including defender Brett Pesce, the Devils are challenged to adapt and maintain competitiveness.
Looking ahead, the prediction from fan favorite Grimace is that the Devils will emerge victorious against the Sharks tonight, especially if Allen gets the start in goal. Grimace’s confidence in the team’s ability to win, regardless of who is in net, reflects the optimistic spirit among the fanbase.
While losing is part of the game, what fans hope to avoid are defeats caused by preventable mistakes. As the Devils prepare to face the Sharks, the aim is clear: to perform well and secure a win, avoiding the pitfalls that led to recent setbacks. Fans remain hopeful that their team will rise to the occasion and find a path back to victory.